China likely to replace envoy in Seoul

By Lee Chi-dong

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- China is expected to appoint Yang Houlan, a career diplomat in charge of affairs on the Korean Peninsula, as its new ambassador to Seoul, a diplomatic source said Thursday, but both governments kept mum on the possible replacement.

Yang is the most likely figure to succeed Amb. Cheng Yonghua, who may be assigned
to the post of Beijing's top envoy in Tokyo, according to the source.
China reportedly plans to name its current ambassador to Japan Cui Tianka as top
nuclear negotiator to replace Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, who currently
chairs the six-party talks aimed at resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis.
According to a media report, Cheng will succeed Cui. Cheng, who has served in
Seoul for 14 months, is known for his expertise in Japanese affairs.
But a South Korean foreign ministry official said there has been no formal notice
from China on the reported appointment.
"We have not received any information from China on Amb. Cheng Yonhua's
successor," the official said, requesting anonymity.
The Chinese embassy here also declined to comment.
Yang studied in the U.S. and worked as Beijing's ambassador to Afghanistan from
March 2007 until April this year. He is well-versed in Korean affairs, the source
said.
lcd@yna.co.kr